My Brother's Best Friend (Shay Mooney)

Chapter 9

Shay and I continue kissing for a little while longer despite my better judgement. We decide to join the other two in the living room. Shay attempts to fix his hair as I try to cover the spots he created on my neck. Dan would be furious if he knew what was going on.

Shay reaches for my hand as we exit the kitchen. I take his hand in mine. We enter the next room to find Dan and Abby together on the couch. Abby's eyes are closed and her chest steadily rises and falls. I quickly drop Shay's hand as we approach my brother.

"She's sleeping," Dan whispers, as if we can't tell.

"Woah really?" Shay replies. Dan punches his arm.

"Shut up," Dan says, laughing.

Shay sits down in a chair near the couch Dan and Abby are rested on. I giggle and sit down in the same chair as Shay. He shoots me a concerned look, referencing my brother, as I sit down, half on top of him and half on the seat.

An odd expression takes over Dan's face. "Do you guys want to watch a movie?" he asks.

"Sure. I don't want to go home yet," Shay responds.

"Is that cool with you, Em?" Dan asks.

"Yeah...sure," I say, trying to ignore Shay's fingers tracing circles all over my back. As the boys try to think of a movie for us to watch, Shay continues driving me crazy. He grabs one of my belt loops and tugs on it as I bite my lip, resisting the desire I have to kiss him.

We all finally decide to watch Iron Man 3. I'm a tomboy and am into Marvel as much or more than my brother. Before starting the movie, Dan says, "I'm going to take Abby upstairs since she's already asleep." Dan scoops Abby up in his arms, princess style, and carries her upstairs. I imagine that as Shay and me, me embraced in the warmth and comfort of his strong arms and him holding me.

As soon as Dan's out of sight, I roll over on top of Shay. I passionately kiss his lips and tug at his shirt. He pulls away from me breathing heavily. "We can't do this."

"What do you mean?" I respond, confused.

"Dan might catch us. And this just isn't right. I'm sorry. I want to be with you, but this is extremely messed up," Shay confesses.

"Shay-" I start.

"Emily, we can't do this. We just can't."

"I know it's not right. It's completely messed up but why should that matter?" I respond, gently rubbing one side of his face with my hand.

"Emily, you're my best friend's sister. Just imagine how upset he would be if he found out what's going on. We can't do this."

"But he doesn't have to know!" I whine, knowing I sound like a little kid.

Shay's eyes speak for him. I slowly get off of Shay and sit in a different chair across the room. I tuck my legs to my chest and allow my hair to fall on my face.

Dan joins us in the bitterly silent room after what seems like an eternity later. "Is everything okay?" he asks, acknowledging the awkwardness of the room.

"Yeah, everything's fine," I say.

"Dan, I should go," Shay announces, rising from his seat.

"You sure? You can stay if you want..." my brother responds, confused.

"Nah, I need to leave. Thanks for dinner though. I'll see you tomorrow," Shay says, headed towards the door.

"Okay. Bye man!" Dan calls. 

As soon as Shay exits, Dan asks, "What's going on? Is he okay? Are you okay?" I move from my lonely chair to the couch, next to Dan. He wraps his arm around me, a brotherly concerned look in his eye.

"Yeah, we're both fine. He was just talking about how late it's getting and that he needs to leave," I lie. 

"Oh."

"Is Abby spending the night?" I ask.

"Yeah. She's out and I don't see any point in waking her up to drive her home," Dan replies. "We can still watch the movie, if you want..."

"I would love to watch the movie," I say, laughing.

I slowly drift off to sleep as the movie plays, my head rested on my brother's chest but filled with the thought of his best friend.